HSAAs win scrimmage in preparation for Wellington Festival

UPDATE April 5: Despite a valiant performance, the USA Rugby Boys' High School All-Americans U17s lost to England South Friday 32-25 at the RFU Wellington College International Rugby Festival. Salty Thompson's team gave up an early try but managed to keep up with their opponent in the first half, only down 20-15 after the first frame. As the HSAAs were making a comeback in the second half, England South took advantage of a HSAA player in the sin bin and extended the lead to 32-18. The HSAAs scored another try a few minutes later, but ultimately ran out of time.

UPDATE April 2: The USA Rugby Boys' High School All-Americans U17s lost to Wales U16 45-16 on Saturday, March 30, before defeating Belgium 21-10 on Monday, April 1. The HSAAs had lost to Belgium in their previous two meetings. Up next for the HSAAs is England South on Friday, April 5.

CROWTHORNE, England -- The USA Rugby Boys’ High School All-Americans under 17s have gathered at Wellington College, ready to compete in the RFU Wellington College International Rugby Festival, which features U16 National Teams from Wales, Scotland, England North, England South, and U17s from Belgium, the Netherlands and the USA. All teams are in residence at the exclusive private school in Berkshire, an hour west of London.

The HSAA Junior Varsity starts the tournament Saturday, March 30, against the rugby powerhouse nation of Wales (4.00pm kick-off). This is followed with games against Belgium Monday, April 1, and England South Friday, April 5.

All-Americans Head Coach Salty Thompson will be looking to build on the reputation and performances they produced last year, giving the Welsh a hard game and running England North extremely close. This year promises much of the same if the games live up to their potential.

“This returning core of players are helping provide the leadership and example on and off the field,” said Thompson. “They are fitter, stronger and bigger than last year.”

The HSAAs, sponsored by Aircraft Charter Solutions, arrived on Sunday and played a scrimmage game against Hampshire U17s Wednesday afternoon. Early exchanges saw the USA dominate the first half and jump to a 26-point lead, with two tries from Poch Suwaiter (Hilo, Hawaii) and one from Mosoe. Ben Cima (Gonzaga H.S. Washington D.C.) added one conversion and three penalties to the score. The second half started off in much the same vain with the USA stretching their lead with a try from the increasingly impressive Yun. Barry added the conversion.

For three quarters of the match, the HSAAs dominated, but as the USA started to ring the changes in the line up they lost momentum and Hampshire launched an impressive fight-back, running in four unanswered converted tries before Barry added a penalty goal to close out the game at 36 to 33.

The game was exactly what the USA needed in preparation for the festival, which will be a great chance for the young Americans to experience an international competition and square off with some of the rising stars in Europe. Gaining match experience and training in a high performance environment is a key objective in the development of the HSAAs and in the development of the future national teams.

The HSAA Coaching and Management team is committed to the off-field development as much the on-field development of the young men on the team, recognizing that the tournament will be an experience the players will never forget and hopes the athletes will take away great rugby and life lessons from the tournament.

Follow Team Manager Andy Byrne on Twitter (@AndyPByrne) for live updates from Wellington.

Boys' High School All-Americans | RFU Wellington College International Rugby Festival

Guest - Mana

Guest - Ian Midson

As the founder (with Lawrence Fong) and first ever Head Coach of Hilo Reign, it is with immense pride that I read of Suwaiter Poch's achievements with the USA National U17 team. As I'm now back living in England I shall be coming to watch the game on Friday against England South and although my head will be supporting England, my heart will be with Suwaiter and the USA team!

Guest - Poch Ohana

You my love R the best thing that ever happened to this Ohana. We are so proud of you. to be half way around the world. U represent the Hawaiians and the chukees, People back here in Big Island Hawaii. You Are The BEAST of the Hawaiian/Micronesian culture..I love You.

Guest - Andrew Veve

Malo alii Jerome le kau! o lea ua pati taoto le feepo ona ua kau lau ole faamoemoe. Malo le fai o le faiva, ua e kuua le kakou akuguu i luga ole maasalafa. faafetai le kaukua akuguu!
It has been a privilege for me to travel from Australia to UK to watch our children play and grow in their passion for rugby. Sacrificing time with family and friends has paid rich dividends for all our boys. From the first winning game against Hampshire County to there last win over Belgium they have progressed well.
Good luck with the remaining game against England on Friday! Play to your strengths, make your tackles count and use the width of the field and you will succeed. God Bless! Ia manuia le faiva!